They explain how getting into a match works, which is sort of what I expected (the lobby is you running around in liberty city).

but there is something that worries me...they don't mention matchmaking. All they talk about is inviting people into your party to play with.

Would I be insane to think this is the only way you can play with people online? If it has matchmaking, how is it going to pick the host of the game? What if it picks a moron to be the host?

I'm starting to think this game doesn't have matchmaking....I know that sounds absurd, and it is, but no one is mentioning it, and the way this structure is explained, it's hard to figure out how it would work.

You might say "Saint's Row works the exact same way, so don't worry about it" but Saint's Row didn't offer custom game modes, and the host didn't get to set options. That's the part I can't figure out. If parties meet up into one game, how does one person become the host and what happens when the other people don't want to play what he wants? will you have to sit and wait forever before you find people willing to play what your party wants to play?

I think the great thing about free mode will be using it to learn the map. Since MP uses ALL of Liberty City, it will be vital to learn all the best spots and where the best vehicles spawn. I'll be playing online Monday night but I'm sure Tuesday will involve a LOT of free mode with a few friends...and co-op of course.

I think i read in one interview somewhere that it said something along the lines of,

There won't be a games list (server browser)/matchmaking feature.... you just have to wish you have a lot of people on your xbl friends list who will have GTA IV cause you invite people through the game into your server to play....

I think and im pretty sure i read that, it might not be the exact quote but it was something along the lines of that.

(I could be wrong so don't flame, i just thought i read something like this in one interview!)

I think i read in one interview somewhere that it said something along the lines of,

There won't be a games list (server browser)/matchmaking feature.... you just have to wish you have a lot of people on your xbl friends list who will have GTA IV cause you invite people through the game into your server to play....

I think and im pretty sure i read that, it might not be the exact quote but it was something along the lines of that.

(I could be wrong so don't flame, i just thought i read something like this in one interview!)

that would suck even though its probably gon be me and my friends free roaming it up

highly doubted, that would get rid of the reason to have ranked and regular matches, most games with ranked means you dont have complete control because they are well ranked, in a ranked match with only friends you could easily get the achievements by "cheating"

As with the other MP modes, the host has plenty of options to customize the experience, from setting the level of traffic, to turning cops on or off, to the time of day, to weapons available and so much more. This also includes setting a time limit if you don't want Free Mode to last forever.

I really like the sound of that, especially the traffic and cops part.

I might be wrong but I think all these Multiplayer Hands On Previews are from a LAN perspective which doesnt really need matchmaking feature to set up games..who knows probably there will be matchmaking system online.

I think the way free mode is gonna work is pretty awesome. Start out with an awesome shoot out in the beginning when all of you and and your peeps land in the beginning of the game. It'll be like a john woo kinda thing without the constant slowmotion and tricks.